Letters Received

Summary:George received several letters from his parents while he was abroad serving in the Great War, a few of which were never received, but were rather returned to sender, as George had been moved to another location by the time they arrived. The period from September 1918 to December 1918 is represented by five letters, including a newspaper clipping on a poetry lecture Reverend Bulloch delivered at Central High School. Included in these letters are fatherly advice and news of family affairs. One letter was written by Margaret, his mother, as she was taking dictation for the Reverend, who was sick with the Spanish Influenza.

George also received correspondence from his parents in the period after the war and into the early 1920s. Several of these letters are addressed to both George and his wife Miriam, and discuss their children. A particularly interesting letter contains William's dismay upon hearing that Miriam was expecting a third child, when George was in college and money was scarce for both families. William notified George that he would be unable to continue assisting them financially, and advised him to find employment rather than continue his studies.

Letters penned by individuals other than William and Margaret include several pe1iaining to his war experience, including a few from acquaintances he met during the war. Also included are requests that George provide information on his military service. One such letter (January 17, 1919) mentions Joyce Kilmer, another (April l6, 1919) signed by Mr. [Fred] Kilmer, asked George to provide his war record for Johnson & Johnson's company files.